Thomas emerson



OUNITE STATES ATENT Ferca,

THOMAS EMERSON, OE NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 355,983, dated January l1, 1887.

Application filed August 7, 1886. Serial No. 210,358. (No model.)

.T0 all whom, it may concern.'

Be it known that I, THOMAS EMERSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Newport, in the countyof Newport and State of Rhode Island, haveinvented a new and useful Improvement in BoatGrips, of which the following is so full, clear, and exact a description as will enable others skilledl in the art to which myinvention appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Figure lis aperspective,parily in elevation, of my improved grip. Fig. 2 is a view of the same as it appears when attached to a life-boat to secure the same in place on the deck of a` vessel. i

The object of my invention is to provide a device which shall serve as a firm and efficient fastening for lifeboats and other similar boats which are to be secured to decks of Steamers.'

Another object of my invention is to construct a grip which may be easily and quickly operated in time of emergency.

Another object of my invention is to provide life-boats with simple devices which will hold them in place on the decks ot'steamers, and prevent them being bruised and scratched in consequence of rolling, as they naturally do when the vessel pitches.

In the drawings, A represents the main portion of my improved grip. In the lower portion is an eye, a, which is adapted to receive a lauyard to hold the same iu place.

The upper portion ofthe grip is bent at B, which forms an offset or knee that ts over the upper edge ofthe life-boat. The horizontal portion ot' this offset is provided with a hole, b, which is adapted toreceive the pin e, which pin is designed to be inserted into the hole b, and extend down through into the rowlockhole or another hole which may be made on purpose in the gunwale of the boat. The outer free end of the offset B is provided with a lip or hinge, C, which is pivotally secured to the horizontal portion B, and which is provided with a slot, c, to receive the staple or eyebolt d. The eyebolt d is held in place by suitable rivets or screws, as is shown in Fig. 2, and the lip or hinge is held into engagement with the eyebolt d by a hook, g, which is supported by a chain, h. The pin c in ordinary practical use is also suspended by a cord or chain to prevent its being lost. This grip is designed to be used for life-boats and all other boats which are carried on the decks of vessels. The pin may be withdrawn to clear the grip from the boat, and the grip can be removed and replaced without loosening the lanyard or the lashing from the deck of the steamer.

It will be readily understood by those familiar with the handling of life-boats that itis of prime importance to have devices which will facilitate the quick and efficient operation of the boat in time of accident, or at any time when a lifeboat or any other similar boat is required.

Having now described the objects, advantages, and construction of my device, what I desire to secure by Letters Patent, and what I therefore claim, is-

1. In a boat-grip, the combination of the main portion provided with a perforation at its lower portion and a knee or offset, B, at its upper portion, which knee or offset is provided with a perforation anda lip or hinge to engage with the life-boat, and the staple, hook, and pin, all constructed and combined to operate substantially as and for the purposes specied.

2. In a grip for lifeboats and other similar` boats, the combination ot the main portion, the knee, the hinge, and the staple and hooks for use therewith with the lanyard and ring or eyebolt in the deck of the steamer, substantially as and for purposes specified.

In testimony that I claim the above I here` unto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

THOMAS EMERSON.

Witnesses:

ToMY CORRIGAN, MICHAEL E. FITZGERALD. 

